20 Jun 2025
More educators than ever before took part in the Cambridge Schools Conference in Miami, Florida this week to discuss the challenges of preparing students for the future in a changing world.
Over 500 educators from Cambridge International Schools in 30 countries came together for our global conference on 17 to 18 June 2025 at Eden Roc Miami Resort, Florida.
The theme – Future-ready: Preparing learners to thrive in the future – explored the vital role of education in helping students get ready for the world, equipping them with the resilience and skills needed to adapt and thrive in a time of rapid global change.
In his opening address, Mark Cavone, Cambridge’s Regional Director, North America, celebrated the combined strength of the Cambridge community in supporting students. He said: 'The collective expertise and passion for student achievement is precisely what makes this event so powerful. At Cambridge we believe that the heart of education lies with you: professionals who shape the minds, values and futures of our students. We have learned so much from our diverse community of educators. Data shows that Cambridge students are really well prepared for their futures, thanks to you.'
Adapting to change, unlocking potential, shaping identity and augmenting human skills
Keynote speakers included Professor Sara Baker, Professor of Development Psychology and Education, Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge who delved into the benefits of supporting learners’ executive functions to help them adapt to change. Joanne McEachen, an Indigenous Maori education leader, explored how we can unlock potential in every learner to help them be future-ready, and Dr Rob Loe, Deputy Principal at The Scots College, Sydney in Australia spoke about the role that relationships play in shaping identity, learning and leadership.
Acknowledging the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education, Fernando Valenzuela Migoya, a leader in educational innovation and digital transformation across Latin America, explored how AI and digital transformation can augment – rather than replace – human learning, creativity and problem-solving.
With most Cambridge students progressing to university after they leave school, the conference also included insights from higher education on university-readiness. Dr Mary Parker, Vice President and Chief Enrollment Strategist, University of Florida told delegates that this year’s conference theme could not be more timely or more relevant. 'In today’s rapidly evolving, highly competitive global landscape, it is essential that we all work together to make sure that we are supporting our students to excel in the classroom and outside the classroom,' she said.
Workshops were grouped around key themes linked to future readiness including metacognition and cognitive thinking, AI and digital exams, self-regulation and executive function. Schools also led sessions to show the impact of Cambridge courses on student achievement and skills development, and share best practice.
The conference also gave Cambridge students a chance to air their views on how education can prepare them to thrive. During a panel discussion, students spoke passionately about the value of subjects like Cambridge Global Perspectives and Thinking Skills in developing their ability to analyse and think deeply about world issues.
Paul Ellis, our Head of Thought Leadership for Education Futures, who was directing his 20th in-person conference, said: 'This was one of the most engaging Cambridge Schools Conferences I have had the privilege to be part of. Each of our keynote speakers had something new and thought-provoking to share and, together, they delivered a powerful and positive message about the future of education. Conferences give us fantastic learning and networking opportunities and remind us why we work in education. And, as we look to what’s next, it is good to remember that, to paraphrase the American teacher and astronaut, Christa McAuliffe, "We touch the future: we teach."'
The next Cambridge Schools Conference will take place in Bali, Indonesia in December 2025. Look out for updates in the coming months.